Publications [#236983] of John H. Reif

Journal articles or Book chapters PUBLISHED

1. Mao, C; LaBean, TH; Relf, JH; Seeman, NC, Logical computation using algorithmic self-assembly of DNA triple-crossover molecules., Nature, vol. 407 no. 6803 (September, 2000), pp. 493-496 (Erratum: Nature 408, 750-750(2000).) [pdf], [doi]
   (last updated on 2026/01/14)

   Abstract:
   Recent work has demonstrated the self-assembly of designed periodic two-dimensional arrays composed of DNA tiles, in which the intermolecular contacts are directed by 'sticky' ends. In a mathematical context, aperiodic mosaics may be formed by the self-assembly of 'Wang' tiles, a process that emulates the operation of a Turing machine. Macroscopic self-assembly has been used to perform computations; there is also a logical equivalence between DNA sticky ends and Wang tile edges. This suggests that the self-assembly of DNA-based tiles could be used to perform DNA-based computation. Algorithmic aperiodic self-assembly requires greater fidelity than periodic self-assembly, because correct tiles must compete with partially correct tiles. Here we report a one-dimensional algorithmic self-assembly of DNA triple-crossover molecules that can be used to execute four steps of a logical (cumulative XOR) operation on a string of binary bits.